Context:

New York City experienced an unprecedented heat wave with temperatures reaching 99 degrees in Central Park, marking the hottest June 24 since records began in 1869. This extreme heat, caused by a heat dome, affected over 100 people with heat-related illnesses and resulted in widespread power outages across the region. Climate experts suggest that such early and intense heat waves are becoming more common due to global warming, which disrupts traditional seasonal patterns. The heat wave prompted emergency measures, including cancellation of outdoor activities and opening of cooling centers, while ongoing efforts to manage the situation included distributing water and fans to poll workers during the Democratic primary vote. The heat advisory is expected to continue, affecting air quality, but relief is anticipated with cooler temperatures by Thursday, coinciding with the scheduled opening of city pools.

Dive Deeper:

• New York City hit record-breaking temperatures, with Central Park reaching 99 degrees and Kennedy Airport recording 102 degrees, the highest since the respective records began. Such high temperatures are becoming increasingly common due to climate change, which alters seasonal norms and increases the frequency of heat waves.

• The extreme temperatures strained the electrical grid, causing almost 13,000 power outages in New York and over 22,000 in New Jersey, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents, especially the elderly and young children, during the heat wave.

• The heat wave, attributed to a heat dome over the Northeast, led to over 100 heat-related illnesses during outdoor events, prompting the mayor of Paterson, N.J., to declare a state of emergency and move events indoors to protect residents.

• Despite the oppressive heat, the Democratic primary vote in New York City proceeded with no significant issues related to voter turnout or waiting times, though concerns were raised about the comfort and well-being of poll workers due to inadequate air-conditioning at many polling sites.

• Emergency management efforts include daily coordination meetings by city officials and the opening of 496 cooling centers across libraries and community centers to help residents cope with the heat. The city issued a heat advisory and air quality warning, urging vulnerable groups to take precautions.

• The ongoing heat wave has forced the cancellation of various outdoor activities, including those organized by the New York Road Runners, and has led to the enactment of emergency measures in multiple counties by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

• Temperatures are expected to drop by Thursday, providing relief from the current heat wave just in time for the scheduled opening of New York City pools, which marks a return to more typical summer activities as the immediate crisis abates.